Yarmouth Seafarers Centre reopens its doors

The new Great Yarmouth Seafarers Centre has reopened after a nine-year absence with a dedication ceremony on the port’s quayside.

Around 80 people celebrated the official opening with a traditional ribbon cut, plaque unveiling, dedication and buffet

It means the thousands of sailors who pass through the port every year have a safe haven where they can connect with their families at home and share any troubles they may have on ship

Port Chaplain, the Rev Peter Paine, whose office will be based at the centre, said he was delighted with the turnout and the results of the building’s transformation achieved on a shoestring budget of around £4,000

He said: “Seafarers now have somewhere to come off their vessel away from their working environment. It is really like anyone else going home for the evening. They can come in and rest and relax, read the papers from home and talk about things in general as well as anything that may be affecting them on board”

The Bishop of Thetford the Rt Rev Alan Winton gave his blessing to the lifeline service at a dedication with all speakers having to raise their voices above the rumble and clatter of general port work

Town mayor Marlene Fairhead was the guest of honour, unveiling a plaque thanking supporters and funders and cutting the ribbon across the entrance

Addressing the gathering of friends, volunteers, and civic dignitaries Peter hailed the hard work and generosity of all the individuals, companies and churches that had come together to make his dream a reality

He said that historically there had been a mission in the town since 1858 in various locations run by various different people –but not for the last nine years after the centre near the power station shut

Since then there had been a battle to try to open another one, prove the need and find the funding.